“We’ve always known that Daryl was a special talent,” said Betsy Cook Weber,” director of UH’s Moores Concert Chorale. “He’s a supremely gifted organist in addition to being a truly nice guy. It is wonderful, although not at all surprising, that he has won the most important organ competition in the nation.”

As a first prize recipient, Robinson earned $4,000 and the opportunity to perform on a commercial recording for the ProOrgano music label.

He also will receive career guidance and representation from classical music management company Karen McFarlane Artists Inc. Through his affiliation with the agency, Robinson already is booked for concerts in Los Angeles, Milwaukee, Cleveland and Tallahassee, Fla.

A native of Pasadena, Texas, Robinson became involved with the organ at age 11 after asking Shirley McCord for lessons. McCord (also a UH alum) was serving as South Main Baptist Church’s organist and took him under her wing. The rest is now history.

Robinson later honed his talents under the tutelage of instructor Jo Deen Davis and UH professors Robert Bates and Matthew Dirst. He also credits UH chorale director Weber as a major musical influence.

Robinson accompanied Weber and the chorale during their appearances at two major international festivals. In 2009, he provided piano accompaniment at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales. Two years later, he performed with the chorale in Florilege Vocal de Tours in Tours, France.

Around town, Robinson has performed with Houston Chamber Choir, the Houston Symphony Orchestra and Mercury Baroque. He also is the organist for Houston’s Grace Presbyterian Church.

Creative Pride recently called Robinson to congratulate him on his big win and to talk about the next chapter in his career.

Creative Pride: How was the competition?

Daryl Robinson: It was an incredible experience. The finals were held in conjunction with the American Guild of Organists National Convention. The audience was made up of about 250 organists. It was definitely one of the musical high points of my career. It was very thrilling.

CP: What’s kept you playing the organ for so many years?

DR: The organ is such an incredibly complex musical instrument. It also has a rich history and has evolved throughout the centuries. That’s one of the things that I love about the organ. And every organ is so different. It’s always a challenge to go up to a new organ and get the best results out of it.

CP: Why do you think this instrument has such a special place in the world of classical music?

DR: It’s known as the ‘King of Instruments’ because it’s so versatile. It’s capable of doing so many things. With many instruments, there’s only one sound. An organ can offer limitless possibilities.

CP: You soon will take your talents across the country, but you’ve also performed across the pond as part of UH’s Moores Concert Chorale. What’s it like to perform internationally?

DR: It was an amazing experience. Being able to travel abroad and experience new cultures was great, especially in a competitive setting. I performed with the chorale during competitions in Llangollen, Wales and Tours, France. We were surrounded by so many talented artists and both events had such incredible energy that I always will remember. It was a reminder that what musicians do is remarkable. We’re able to travel to different areas of the globe and communicate with people through art.

CP: How did your time at UH prepare you for this next phase of your career?

DR: UH’s Moores School of Music is an absolutely incredible environment for students. One of school’s most unique aspects is the sense of community. That helps you deal with the stress of being a student, musician and performer… or life in general. The networks that I built through the chorale and the organ studio helped me get through everything.

The other great thing is that I was afforded many opportunities as performer. The school really allows students to take risks and lets them play major roles in campus performances.